Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 5th, 2014–Jan 6th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

If the sun remains out this afternoon, use caution on slopes facing the sun. Loose avalanches are possible, triggered from hot spots like trees and rocks.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure remains in place today, bringing alpine temps around -12, light ridge top winds and mainly sunny skies. A dry day is forecast again for tomorrow, with cool valley bottom temperatures and a possible above freezing layer between 2000 and 2800m, likely producing valley cloud. There is a slight chance of flurries for Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 50 cm of storm snow is settling. The interface between this snow and the old surface is producing moderate results in stability tests at treeline. This storm had mild temp's and mod/strong winds from the W, creating storm slabs. Although this fell on a well-settled snowpack, the Nov 28 weak layer could still be triggered by a large mass.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday along the highway corridor, we observed a couple loose, solar triggered avalanches up to size 2. On Thursday/Friday numerous natural and artillery controlled avalanches along the highway corridor occurred. Artificial triggers produced the largest avalanches up to size 3.5. On Mt. Tupper a size 3.5 cleared out mature timber.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

40 to 60 cm of storm snow has formed slabs. These deposits will be deeper in areas with wind loading. Natural avalanches are still possible, assess terrain continually while you travel.

Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Older wind slabs are buried on various weak layers below new storm snow. Use your pole to feel for this firm, wind-deposited snow in exposed areas. These slabs have the potential to fail with the new, heavy load.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3